Hpv And Life Insurance: What's The Connection?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer in women and other cancers in both men and women. It is important to understand how an HPV diagnosis may impact one's life insurance options. While early detection and treatment may not present significant challenges during the life insurance underwriting process, more advanced cases or related conditions could lead to higher policy rates or even disqualification. The presence of abnormal cells, CIN2 or CIN3, for example, may require treatment and normal cervical screening results before life insurance is offered. Additionally, a history of cervical cancer can affect life insurance options, with carriers often requiring completion of treatment and a waiting period before applying.

HPV and abnormal PAP results

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is linked to cervical cancer. An HPV test will come back as either negative or positive. A negative test result means high-risk HPV was not found, and a positive test result means high-risk HPV was found. If you are HPV-positive but have no abnormal PAP test results, no further investigation may be required. However, if you are HPV-positive and also have abnormal PAP results, doctors may recommend a colposcopy or biopsy for treatment.

A PAP test, also called a PAP smear, is an exam used to find out if you have cervical cancer. The test can also see changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. A PAP test may come back as normal, abnormal, or unsatisfactory. A normal test result means no abnormal cervical cells were found, while an abnormal test result means some of the cells of the cervix look different from the normal cells. An abnormal test result does not mean you have cancer, but your healthcare provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment.

Abnormal PAP test results include:

• Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US): This is the most common abnormal PAP test finding. It means that some cells don't look completely normal, but it's unclear if the changes are caused by an HPV infection. Other things can cause cells to look abnormal, including irritation, some infections (such as a yeast infection), growths (such as polyps in the uterus), and changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy or menopause. Your healthcare provider will usually do an HPV test to see if the changes may be caused by an HPV infection. If the HPV test is negative, estrogen cream may be prescribed to see if the cell changes are caused by low hormone levels. If the HPV test is positive, you may need additional follow-up tests.
• Atypical glandular cells (AGC): Some glandular cells are found that do not look normal. This can be a sign of a more serious problem inside the uterus, so your healthcare provider will likely ask you to come back for a colposcopy.
• Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL): There are low-grade changes that are usually caused by an HPV infection. Your healthcare provider will likely ask you to come back for additional testing to ensure there are no more serious (high-grade) changes.
• Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H): Some abnormal squamous cells were found that may be high-grade, although it's uncertain. Your healthcare provider will likely ask you to come back for a colposcopy.
• High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL): There are moderately or severely abnormal cervical cells that could become cancer in the future if not treated. Your healthcare provider will likely ask you to come back for a colposcopy.

To qualify for preferred pricing, life insurance companies will want to see that a woman's most recent PAP test is normal and that her last HPV test is negative. If treatment such as a colposcopy or biopsy was needed, insurers may require that the last three years of PAP tests are normal, in addition to a negative HPV test.

HPV and cervical cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexually transmitted HPV types are divided into two groups: low-risk and high-risk.

Low-risk HPV types rarely cause cancer but can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. When warts form in the larynx or respiratory tract, it is called respiratory papillomatosis, which can cause breathing problems.

High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. There are 12 high-risk HPV types: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. Two of these, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers. High-risk HPV infections that persist for many years can cause abnormal cell changes that, if untreated, may become precancerous and then cancerous.

Virtually all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, where a baby grows during pregnancy. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells. However, in women with weakened immune systems, such as untreated HIV, this process can be faster, taking only 5 to 10 years.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with around 660,000 new cases and about 350,000 deaths in 2022. The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries, largely due to a lack of access to national HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment services.

Routine screening with an HPV test or Pap test can prevent most cervical cancer cases by allowing healthcare providers to find and remove precancerous cells before they develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is most common in rarely or never-screened women.

HPV vaccination can prevent cancer by preventing infection with disease-causing HPV types. The HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 protects against infection from nine HPV types, including the seven types that cause most HPV-related cancers. The HPV vaccine is estimated to prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection and genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys aged 11 or 12, and the series can be started at age nine. It is important for everyone to get vaccinated because anyone, regardless of their gender, can develop HPV-related cancers. Vaccination can also reduce the spread of HPV that causes cancer to other people.

HPV and life insurance rates

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is unlikely to affect your life insurance rates unless you have abnormal cell growth or other related conditions. If you have been diagnosed with HPV but have no negative PAP smear results, no further underwriting investigation may be required, and you may qualify for life insurance at standard rates.

However, if you have abnormal PAP results, underwriters will want to know what steps were taken following the diagnosis. A colposcopy or biopsy may be recommended for treatment. To qualify for preferred pricing, insurance companies typically require a woman's most recent PAP test to be normal and her last HPV test to be negative. If treatment such as a colposcopy or biopsy was necessary, insurers may require the last three years of PAP tests to be normal, in addition to a negative HPV test.

In most cases, early detection and treatment of HPV are unlikely to impact your life insurance rates. However, if you have more severe or frequent symptoms caused by HPV, you may still be able to obtain life insurance, albeit at higher rates. If you have cancer of any kind resulting from HPV, qualifying for life insurance will be more challenging.

Since HPV is more prevalent in women, gender is also a factor in the disclosure of an HPV diagnosis on insurance applications. For traditional fully underwritten life insurance, a female applicant with HPV who has been successfully treated and has normal PAP test results within the past year can typically obtain coverage at standard rates, but not preferred rates.

If you are unable to qualify for traditional individual life insurance due to the severity and frequency of your HPV symptoms, guaranteed life insurance is an alternative option. These policies do not require health questions or medical tests, but the coverage amounts are typically lower, and the premiums are significantly higher than traditional plans. Simplified-issue policies, which have no medical tests but include a few health questions, may also be an option for those seeking more affordable coverage.

HPV and cancer treatment

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a virus that spreads through sexual contact and can lead to cervical cancer. While most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection, in some cases, the virus can lead to cancer. The risk factors for developing cervical cancer include smoking, having given birth many times, long-term use of birth control pills, or having an HIV infection.

Cervical cancer often does not cause any symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding may appear. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells. Regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detect abnormal cells early on and allow for prompt treatment.

Treatment options for cervical cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the patient's desire for pregnancy in the future.

In addition to cervical cancer, HPV has also been linked to other types of cancer, including oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. Rates of oropharyngeal cancer have increased due to tumors caused by HPV infection. The treatment for oropharyngeal cancer typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, similar to cervical cancer.

To prevent HPV-related cancers, vaccines such as GARDASIL 9 are available and recommended for individuals ages 9 to 45. These vaccines help protect against certain cancers caused by different types of HPV, including cervical cancer in women, vulvar and vaginal cancers, anal cancer, and certain head and neck cancers. However, it is important to note that vaccination does not eliminate the need for regular cancer screenings, and individuals should still undergo routine cervical cancer screenings.

HPV and insurance application

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus, with an estimated four in five people contracting it at some point in their lifetime. While many strains of HPV are harmless, some are directly linked to cervical cancer. As such, an HPV diagnosis can have implications for life insurance applications and premiums.

Applying for Life Insurance with HPV

When applying for life insurance, it is important to disclose any HPV diagnosis and provide relevant medical information. Failure to do so could result in an insurance company refusing to honour a claim. Life insurance providers will typically request pathology reports and details of any specialist consultations or treatments. If you are awaiting further examinations or results, insurers will usually postpone assessing your application until they receive this information.

Impact on Premiums

An HPV diagnosis may affect life insurance rates, particularly if there are abnormal PAP test results. Underwriters will want to know what steps were taken following an abnormal PAP test, such as a colposcopy or biopsy. To qualify for preferred pricing, insurance companies typically require a woman's most recent PAP test to be normal and her last HPV test to be negative. If treatment was required, insurers may request several years of normal PAP test results in addition to a negative HPV test.

Gardasil 9 Vaccine Coverage

The Gardasil 9 vaccine, which helps protect against certain cancers caused by HPV, is covered by many private insurance plans. However, coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the insurance plan and applicable deductibles or caps. It is important to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage and any associated costs.

HPV and Health Insurance

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States has helped increase access to the HPV vaccine by removing financial barriers. The ACA requires non-grandfathered private plans to cover the HPV vaccine without patient cost-sharing, and Medicaid expansion has provided coverage for the HPV vaccine for newly eligible enrollees. These provisions have been associated with increases in HPV vaccine completion rates, particularly among females and privately-insured individuals.

Frequently asked questions